Folk Art Sculptures
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
20th Century Central African Folk Art Sculptures
Brass
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Clay, Ceramic
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Walnut
19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Porcelain
1870s European Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Metal
1890s Belgian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Terracotta
Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Leather
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
1980s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Mahogany
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Brass
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Paper
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Stone
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Sculptures
Ceramic
19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Hardwood
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
1930s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Iron
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Hardwood, Paint
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Sculptures
Horn
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Iron
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
1890s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
1940s Swiss Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Ash
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Iron
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Paint, Pottery
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Sculptures
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Terracotta
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Paper
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
20th Century Congolese Folk Art Sculptures
Terracotta
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Wire
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures
Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures
Ceramic
1920s English Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Metal
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
1940s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Metal
Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Sculptures
Bronze
20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Fabric, Wood
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Laminate, Plaster, Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Wood
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Limestone
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Teak
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Shell
1890s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Wood